Edifier R1280T vs. KEF LS50 Meta

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$120 $1600
Dimensions (H × W × D)
9.50” × 5.75” × 7.00”
241mm × 146mm × 178mm
11.90” × 7.90” × 11.00”
302mm × 201mm × 279mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
75-18,000 Hz 79-28,000 Hz
ASR Score
1.9 4.6
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
4.5 6.7
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: The Edifier R1280T bookshelf speakers offer a compelling value proposition with their warm sound signature, robust construction, and user-friendly features at an entry-level price point. They suit casual listeners venturing into better audio experiences. In contrast, the KEF LS50 Meta, born of high-fidelity pedigree, stands as a benchmark in the arena of compact audiophile-grade speakers. With their cutting-edge Metamaterial Absorption Technology, the LS50 Meta delivers a pristine, detailed soundscape that caters to discerning ears. These two models serve different markets; the Edifier for budget-conscious music lovers, and the KEF for audio purists seeking top-tier performance.

Speaker Comparison

When you're in the market for a set of bookshelf speakers that can redefine your personal audio space, you might find yourself considering options like the Edifier R1280T and the KEF LS50 Meta. These two speakers offer vastly different experiences, both from a price point and performance perspective. Beginning with the Edifier R1280T, you're looking at a highly accessible, budget-friendly option. These powered speakers are a plug-and-play solution that appeals to those dipping their toes into the world of quality home audio.

Design and Build Quality

The Edifier R1280T speakers present a classic aesthetic with a wood veneer paneling that exudes a retro vibe, something that can blend into a variety of interiors with ease. They are solidly built for their price range, though the materials are understandably less luxurious than higher-end offerings. In contrast, the KEF LS50 Meta, a successor to the revered LS50, shows off a cutting-edge design with a proprietary Uni-Q driver array and a cabinet featuring a matte finish with color options that satisfy a modern palate. The construction of LS50 Meta is impeccable, revealing the speaker's premium positioning.

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier R1280T arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Quality

The sound signature of the Edifier R1280T is warm and pleasing with a surprising amount of clarity for the price. They offer a decent soundstage and are more than capable of filling a small to medium-sized room. However, when you step up to the KEF LS50 Meta, you're entering a new realm of audio fidelity. The LS50 Meta offers an expansive soundstage, exceptional imaging, and a level of detail that can make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The patented Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) greatly reduces distortion, delivering purer and more natural sound that audiophiles crave.

Functionality and Versatility

As powered speakers, the Edifier R1280T come with built-in amplification, which means they are ready to play music straight out of the box with minimal setup. They include multiple inputs and even feature onboard controls for bass, treble, and volume, granting users a degree of customization without needing additional components. The KEF LS50 Meta, being passive speakers, require external amplification, which gives you the flexibility to pair them with the amp of your choice, but also adds to the overall cost and complexity of your setup. This makes the LS50 Meta more suited to enthusiasts who already have, or are willing to invest in, a high-quality amplifier.

KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers
KEF LS50 Meta arrow (at Amazon.com)

When it comes to connectivity, the R1280T is somewhat limited but sufficient for most casual listeners, offering standard RCA inputs. There's no Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or support for digital inputs, which are almost expected in today's wireless world. The KEF LS50 Meta doesn't natively support wireless features either, but KEF does offer the LS50 Wireless II for those seeking an all-in-one solution. This makes the Meta more of a purist's speaker, ensuring that nothing gets in the way of the audio quality.

Value Proposition

The Edifier R1280T speakers punch well above their weight in terms of value. They're an excellent choice for anyone who's looking for a straightforward, no-nonsense audio solution at an affordable price point. On the flip side, the KEF LS50 Meta is a serious investment. They command a premium, but for that, you get a speaker that can compete with systems many times their price. The LS50 Meta is designed for discerning listeners who want the best performance from their music and are prepared to pay for that level of excellence.

In conclusion, while both the Edifier R1280T and KEF LS50 Meta serve the purpose of delivering sound in a compact form factor, they cater to very different audiences. The R1280T is ideal for those who want a simple, effective, and budget-friendly audio solution, whereas the LS50 Meta is tailored for the audiophile who demands superior sonic accuracy and is willing to build a system around these reference-quality speakers. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your audio aspirations, budget, and whether you're looking for instant gratification or a bespoke audio experience.


Check Current Prices:

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers
KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

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Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.